Dutch leader calls on Putin to help crash probe

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) -- An angry Dutch prime minister says he has had an “extremely intense” telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin in which he urged him to “show the world he intends to help” in the investigation into the Ukraine air disaster.

Mark Rutte told reporters on Saturday that he told Putin he must use his influence over separatist rebels in Ukraine to ensure they do not hinder efforts to investigate the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17. The plane crashed Thursday, killing all 298 passengers and crew, most of them Dutch citizens.

Rutte says he was “shocked by images of completely disrespectful behavior” of rebels picking through the wreckage and personal belongings of victims at the crash scene.